Advocacy: meaning, definitions and examples

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advocacy

[ˈadvəkəsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal

The act or process of supporting a cause or proposal, especially through public speaking, writing, or other forms of communication.

Synonyms

defense, promotion, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
advocacy	Use this in a formal context when speaking about actively supporting a cause or proposal, typically with organized efforts. She is known for her advocacy of women's rights. The organization engages in advocacy to improve environmental policies.
support	Use this in a general context when offering assistance, backing, or help. She found great support from her friends and family during the difficult times. The charity relies on the support of volunteers.
promotion	This word is used for activities or efforts to advance something, typically a product, idea, or event, often in a business or marketing context. The company is investing a lot in the promotion of its new software. Her job involves the promotion of local tourism.
defense	This is used when you are protecting or justifying something, often in response to criticism or attack. He provided a strong defense of his actions during the meeting. The lawyer's defense strategy was convincing to the jury.

Examples of usage

Her advocacy for animal rights has made a significant impact on legislation.
The organization provides advocacy for marginalized communities.
The lawyer's advocacy skills were instrumental in winning the case.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

social

The act of speaking or writing in support of something.

Synonyms

backing, championing, endorsement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
advocacy	Used in formal contexts, often by organizations or individuals who actively support a cause or policy. The organization is known for its strong advocacy for human rights. Her advocacy of environmental protection has inspired many people.
endorsement	Commonly used in marketing or official contexts, where a person or organization publicly supports a product, service, or idea. The celebrity's endorsement of the brand boosted its sales significantly. The politician's endorsement from a popular figure helped secure more votes.
championing	Implies a strong and active effort to support or defend a cause or person. Often used in contexts where someone is leading a campaign or movement. She is known for championing women's rights across the globe. By championing local artists, the gallery is helping to promote regional talent.
backing	Refers to support given to someone or something, usually in financial, emotional, or social terms. Thanks to the financial backing of investors, the startup was able to launch successfully. He received the backing of his family in his career change.

Examples of usage

His advocacy for mental health awareness has inspired many.
She is known for her strong advocacy for education reform.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

political

Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.

Synonyms

activism, campaigning, lobbying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
advocacy	Advocacy is typically used to describe the act of supporting a cause or policy. It is often associated with professional or organized efforts to bring about change, particularly in a legal, social, or political context. She works in child advocacy, helping to protect children's rights. His advocacy for environmental policies has garnered widespread support.
lobbying	Lobbying involves attempting to influence the decisions of government officials or lawmakers, often by representing a particular group or interest. It can have a neutral or negative connotation, depending on the methods and motivations behind the lobbying. The company hired a firm to do lobbying on their behalf to pass favorable legislation. Lobbying efforts by health organizations successfully led to stricter smoking regulations.
activism	Activism refers to vigorous and intentional actions taken to bring about social or political change. Activism often involves protests, demonstrations, and other public actions. She is involved in climate change activism, regularly participating in marches and rallies. His activism in the civil rights movement left a significant impact.
campaigning	Campaigning is the organized effort to promote a specific political candidate, cause, or policy. It often involves a series of activities like rallies, advertisements, and public speaking to garner support. She spent months campaigning for her local representative. His campaign to increase public transportation funding included town hall meetings and social media engagement.

Examples of usage

The candidate's advocacy for healthcare reform resonated with many voters.
The advocacy for environmental protection has become a major focus in the political arena.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'advocatia', meaning 'to call to one's aid' or 'to summon'.
It was used in Middle English as 'advocacioun', relating to legal support and guidance.
In modern usage, advocacy has expanded to include support for a variety of social and political causes.

History

Advocacy as a formal practice became prominent in the 20th century with movements for civil rights and social justice.
Women’s suffrage advocates fought for voting rights, significantly influencing advocacy strategies to gain political equality.
In the 1980s, environmental advocacy surged as people became more aware of climate change and ecological issues.

Pop Culture

Films like 'Erin Brockovich' showcase grassroots advocacy, highlighting the importance of standing up against powerful corporations.
Social media has transformed advocacy, allowing movements like #BlackLivesMatter to gain global attention and support.
Celebrities often lend their voices to advocacy campaigns, raising awareness about issues like hunger, education, and health care.

Psychology

Engaging in advocacy can promote well-being; it helps individuals feel empowered and connected to their communities.
Research suggests that people who advocate for causes are often more satisfied with their lives because they contribute to positive change.
The act of advocating can reduce feelings of helplessness and foster resilience among those involved.

Literature

Many authors have explored themes of advocacy, with protagonists often fighting for justice in works such as 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
Nonfiction books about social movements provide powerful narratives of those who have dedicated their lives to advocacy.
The literary genre of 'civic literature' focuses on the role of advocacy in societal change and community engagement.

Translations

Translations of the word "advocacy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 advocacia

🇮🇳 वकालत

🇩🇪 Anwaltschaft

🇮🇩 advokasi

🇺🇦 адвокація

🇵🇱 adwokatura

🇯🇵 擁護

🇫🇷 plaidoirie

🇪🇸 abogacía

🇹🇷 savunuculuk

🇰🇷 옹호

🇸🇦 محاماة

🇨🇿 advokacie

🇸🇰 advokácia

🇨🇳 倡导

🇸🇮 zagovorništvo

🇮🇸 málflutningur

🇰🇿 адвокатура

🇬🇪 ადვოკატირება

🇦🇿 vəkillik

🇲🇽 abogacía

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,743 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8740 replication
8741 flora
8742 vulnerability
8743 advocacy
8744 endangered
8745 wandered
8746 skeletal
...